Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547 DOCUMENT 3
The contents of this document are OFFICIAL. Understand and check plan comments
Guidance in this document is not approved for use unless you view it in PACE. This article provides guidance for a planner delegate, planner (non-partnered area) or review officer to: • understand plan comments • check plan comments • action plan comments.
Recent updates 3 October 2024 • Included new wound and pressure care plan comment in Consumables plan comments section • Updated links to access plan comments for online shared supports in SDA.
Before you start You have added or updated a support in a plan approval, plan change or participant budget update case. To add or update a support category for a: • Plan Approval case, use article Change the draft budget • Participant Budget Update or Plan Change case, use article Action a budget update.
Understand plan comments Each support item will have a pre-populated comment. The comment will populate when you select support items which met the NDIS funding criteria (external). Make sure you use the pre-populated comment for each of the support items you include in the participant’s plan. Only edit the comment if you need to include extra information about the participant’s NDIS funded supports.
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These comments will print in the participant’s plan. They’ll also appear on the participant’s portal and where consent has been provided, the provider portal. Comments need to clearly explain the support item and what has been funded. This will help the participant to have a better understanding of what supports they can buy with their plan. Check plan comments If you’ve added funding to a support category, select at least one support item to include in the participant’s plan. If you don’t select at least one support item for a support category, you’ll get an error message. Note: The only time you shouldn’t include a support item is when there’s a $0 support category in the budget. For example, a $0 support category to allow core budget flexibility. If you include a support item for a $0 support category, you’ll get an error message. Use the pre-populated comment for each of the support items you include. Only edit the comment if extra information is needed or you need to show which support you’re funding. For example, to describe the specific support item, funded amount or ratio of support. In a Plan Approval, Plan Change or Participant Budget Update:
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From Plan Comments, select Yes for each support item you’re funding in the participant’s plan.
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Make sure you edit any comments which include text in square brackets or a dollar amount. For example, any text in [ ] or $XX.XX to include extra information or to remove support items you aren’t funding. This may include the type of support, funded amount, hours included or the ratio of support. If the plan comments has these fields, go to section Action plan comments in this article.
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Once all comments are recorded, select Next. Go to section Review and Submit in the below articles:
• For Plan Approval case, go to article Change the draft budget. • For Plan Change or Participant Budget Update case, go to article Action a budget update.
Action plan comments Using the tables below as a guide, edit plan comments with:
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• [bold text] to select one option and delete the others. If you need to include more than one comment option, keep the options needed and remove the [bold text]. • text in [square brackets] or $XX.XX to include specific information. This will usually be the funded amount, hours included or the ratio of support.
Make sure you don’t include any additional special characters in the plan comments. Some characters can cause plan comments to appear blank. Special characters to avoid are < > and %. If you need to talk about % in a plan comment, you’ll need to use the word percentage instead of the character. For home modifications and specialist disability accommodation (SDA), add the plan comment using the relevant article included for the support item in the below table. Note: Not all plan comments are included in the tables below. Only plan comments you need to edit are included in this article.
Assistance with daily life plan comments Supports to assist or supervise with personal tasks during day-to-day life that enable the participant to live as independently as possible. These supports can be provided individually in a range of environments, including the participant’s own home.
Support Item Plan Comment
[If house or yard maintenance] Support to maintain the home to a good standard, including help with house or yard maintenance. Household tasks [If house cleaning and other household activities] Support to maintain the home to a good standard, including help with house cleaning and other household activities.
Up to [amount] days of [ratio] short term accommodation to try Short term accommodation things, build new skills, or give informal supports a break. (STA) and assistance, Short term accommodation is for at least one night away from including the provision of home in a centre or group residence. Short term respite care accommodation is usually all inclusive.
[If Assistance with daily life provided in a Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF)] Support for assistance with daily life tasks in a residential aged care facility. You are funded for Residential Aged Care $[enter the fee or charge the participant is funded for]. You can only claim from this item for fees you’ve paid to the residential aged care facility. You can’t seek reimbursement from this item
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for any basic daily (care) fee, extra service fee or additional service fee you pay the facility. [If Additional disability personal care supports] Younger People in Residential Aged Care: additional disability personal care supports. This includes additional support for high intensity personal care and support provided in your aged care facility. This support is to supplement, not replace, the personal care that is the responsibility of the aged care facility.
Support for the implementation of a diabetic management plan. Diabetes management [If training for support workers is included] Including supports support worker training to implement the disability-related diabetes management plan.
Support for the implementation of a mealtime management plan. Dysphagia supports [If training for support workers is included] Including support worker training to implement the disability-related mealtime management plan.
[If assistance with an EMP or EMMP is included] Support for the implementation of a [Epilepsy Management Plan (EMP)/Emergency Medication Management Plan (EMMP)]. [If training for support workers is included] Support worker training to implement the [Epilepsy Management Plan Epilepsy supports (EMP)/Emergency Medication Management Plan (EMMP)]. [If assistance with ketogenic diet plan is included] Support for the implementation of a ketogenic diet plan. [If training for support workers is included] Support worker training to implement the ketogenic diet plan.
[If assistance with a HEN and PEG is included] Support to administer HEN and help with PEG maintenance and care. [If training for support workers is included] Support worker Nutrition supports, training to implement the HEN regime under delegation of including meal preparation care. [If assistance with prep or meal delivery is included] [Support with meal preparation and delivery/Help from a support worker to help prepare meals].
[If assistance with Podiatry and foot care supports isPodiatry and foot care included] Support to implement podiatry and foot caresupports supports.
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[If training for support workers is included] Support worker training to implement podiatry and foot care supports.
[If assistance with Respiratory supports is included] Support worker to maintain respiratory health and comfort Respiratory supports under the guidance of a nurse. [If training for support workers is included] Support worker training about tracheostomy and other respiratory needs.
For onsite shared supports in SDA, use the plan comment Onsite Shared Supports in template in article Add onsite shared supports in Specialist SDA Disability Accommodation.
Assistive Technology plan comments Assistive technology (AT) is equipment, technology and devices that help a participant do things they can’t do because of their disability. Or things that help them do something more easily or safely, such as wheelchairs or vehicle modifications.
Support Item Plan Comment
Mid-cost AT between [type of mid-cost AT] with a price range of $[XX.XX] to $1,500 and $15,000 per $[XX.XX]. An AT advisor will help choose and set up the right item AT.
$[XX.XX] for [type of high-cost AT] which reflects the quoted High-cost AT over $15,000 amount of $[XX.XX]. An AT advisor will help choose and set per item up the right AT.
Assistive technology for [AT type] for hearing-related supports. hearing support
Assistive Technology Maintenance, Repair, Rental and Trial plan comments Supports to repair and maintain Assistive technology. This also includes short-term rental and trial of Assistive technology supports.
Support Item Plan Comment
Maintenance and Maintenance and repair(s) of [equipment type]. For repairs over repairs of AT $1,500, a quote needs to be submitted to the NDIA. supports
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Rental of AT [short-term length] rental of [assistive technology equipment type] as supports recommended by an assistive technology [advisor or assessor].
Support for trials of [assistive technology equipment type(s)] as recommended by an assistive technology [advisor or assessor]. This Trial of AT supports will help to work out if [type of assistive technology equipment] is right for you and is safe.
Behaviour support plan comments Supports to help develop behavioural management strategies to reduce behaviours of concern. This includes specialist behavioural intervention supports to help improve a participant’s quality of life.
Support Plan Comment Item
[hours] hours of specialist behaviour intervention support and [hours] hours of behaviour management plan and training in behaviour management strategies. Behaviour support The registered specialist behaviour support practitioner must provide a report with the outcomes achieved 6 weeks before the next plan reassessment.
Consumables plan comments Supports to assist with purchasing everyday use items. For example, Continence and Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) products are included in this category.
Support Item Plan Comment
[If general low-cost AT] Low-cost assistive technology, and minor repairs to assistive technology. Low-cost AT, [If general low-cost AT and hearing supports] Low-cost assistive including hearing technology, and minor repairs to assistive technology. This is flexible and disability- and can be used for services received from the Hearing Services related AT Program. This includes annual maintenance and cost of batteries. [If wound and pressure care] Wound and pressure care supports for prevention and dressing of wounds.
Health and wellbeing plan comments Supports that are directly related to managing the impact of a participant’s disability.
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Support Item Plan Comment
Supports for [an Exercise Physiologist or a Personal Trainer] to assess and Physical provide strategies to increase [insert skills] skills. Your therapist will need to wellbeing provide the NDIS with a progress report 6 weeks before the next plan activities reassessment.
Home and Living plan comments Home and living supports to help a participant to live as independently as possible. They build skills with things like household tasks and personal care.
Support Item Plan Comment
$[regular SIL amount] for regular Supported Independent Living (SIL) supports to live independently at home. SIL includes help or Supported supervision with daily tasks, like personal care or cooking meals. independent living (SIL) $[irregular SIL amount] for irregular SIL supports to help with unexpected or unplanned situations.
Medium term [days] days of support in medium term accommodation (MTA). accommodation Support in MTA is to make sure there is somewhere to live while (MTA) waiting for long-term housing solution.
[If Stage 1: exploration and design] Support for exploration and design of a potential Individualised Living Option (ILO) with a chosen provider. The service proposal should reflect ILO support level [1/2/3] as this level is considered to be suitable and appropriate. Individualised living ILO support can only be used for this purpose. ILO must not be used options (ILO) to purchase personal care, provide community access or other general Core supports. [If Stage 2: support model] Support with day to day needs in an Individualised Living Option (ILO). This will help develop the skills to live as independently as possible.
Home modifications plan comments Supports to make changes to the structure, layout, or fittings of a home, so a participant can safely access it and move around comfortably.
Support Item Plan Comment
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For home modification plan comments, use the plan comment template in articles: Home modifications • Add minor home modifications funding • Add complex home modifications funding.
Improved daily living skills plan comments Assessment, training or therapy (including Early Childhood Intervention) to help build skills, independence and community participation. These services can be delivered in groups or individually.
Support Item Plan Comment
[If Therapy supports] Support for a [type of therapist] to assess and provide strategies to increase [type of skills] skills. Your [type of therapist] will need to provide the NDIS with a progress report 6 Therapy supports weeks before the next plan reassessment. [If Therapy assistant] Including a Therapy Assistant to implement [type of therapist] strategies to assist with [enter strategies].
Disability-related Support for a [enter type of Therapist] to respond to your disability- health therapy related health needs where the care is not the usual responsibility of supports the health system.
Support for a multidisciplinary team to build your capacity in [type of Multidisciplinary team skills] skills. Your multidisciplinary team will meet at the start and supports then mid-way through the plan period to create consistency in their approach.
[If Assistance with Decision Making Daily Planning and Budgeting] Support to help develop and maintain a daily budget, including help when planning purchases. This is a time limited support. [If Skill Development and Training including Public Transport Training] Other supports Individual training to help improve independence with general life skills. This support can be provided in the home or in the community. [If Training for Carers/Parents] Training for carers to help with your disability support needs. [If Selection and/or Manufacture of Customised or Wearable Technology]
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Support for selection or manufacture of customised or wearable technology.
Recurring transport plan comments These supports are paid on a regular basis to a participant’s nominated bank account and includes mainly transport supports.
Support Item Plan Comment
Support to access [work/ study/community activities]. This will be Recurring transport paid regularly to your nominated bank account.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) plan comments Specialist disability accommodation is a specially designed house for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
Support Item Plan Comment
[For new SDA arrangements or change of address record] $[XX.XX] for specialist disability accommodation (SDA) up to [participant assessed amount] per year (quote required). You are eligible for SDA as follows: the design category is [assessed design category], building type is [assessed building type], location is [assessed location]. You can access alternative SDA categories and locations within your assessed amount. [For an existing (non in-kind) SDA arrangement where the dwelling is enrolled] Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) up Specialist disability to [SDA enrolled amount] per year (quote required). You are eligible accommodation for SDA while you live at your current address. Your design category (SDA) is [enrolled dwelling design category], building type is [enrolled dwelling building type], location is [enrolled dwelling location]. If you want to move address, you are still eligible for SDA, but you will need to contact the NDIA for the next steps to assess your SDA amount. [For existing (non in-kind) SDA arrangement where the dwelling isn’t enrolled] $[XX.XX] for specialist disability accommodation (SDA) (quote required). You are eligible for SDA. SDA will be paid once the property is enrolled for SDA. If you choose to move address, you are still eligible for SDA, but you will need to contact the NDIA for the next steps to assess your SDA amount.
Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaches
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Supports to help a participant understand their plan, connect to NDIS supports and mainstream services. Psychosocial recovery coach support is tailored to people with psychosocial disability, with a focus on coaching and collaborating with other services.
Support Item Plan Comment
[If support connection] Support connection to help you connect with your chosen service providers. [If coordination of support] Support Coordination to support connection, Support engagement and coordination with chosen service providers. coordination [If specialist support coordination] Including Specialist Support Coordination to support connection, engagement, and coordination with chosen service providers.
Transport plan comments Supports to allow a participant to pay a provider to transport them to an activity that is not itself a support – or to a support that is delivered by another provider. This enables travel to and from appointments or place of work.
Support Item Plan Comment
Transport Transport support to access [work/ study/community activities].
Article labels – internal use only
PACE user role names No change
Topics No change
Case names No change
Ownership No change Version control
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AmendedVersion Brief Description of Change Status Date by
In current environment, comment options for wound and pressure care and other living arrangements not available. Update to include a work aroundV1.1 MGC723 DRAFT 2024-09-09 for staff who are funding supports associated with wound care and other living arrangements until system enhancements can be completed.
V1.2 UFEX8 Peer review DRAFT 2024-09-18
1.3 DCM308 Action peer review feedback DRAFT 2024-09-18
1.4 EJW711 EL1 review DRAFT 2024-09-26
1.5 DCM308 Action EL1 feedback DRAFT 2024-09-26
EL2 review 1.6 AT0022 DRAFT 2024-09-27 SME review
1.7 DCM308 Review SME feedback DRAFT 2024-09-30
2.0 JC0088 Class 2 Approval APPROVED 2024-09-30
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